Mountain Biking - Help me with rims

OK I need some help with rims. I would like to get new rims, and I haven't a clue about what to get. I have Mavic X138. I don't know if that's the model or what but that's what it says on the rim. My wheel size is 26X1.95 if that helps. I would like to get black ones and if possible and it's not too expensive, lighter ones. If anyone can make any suggestion or give me adivce it would be apprecitated. I absorb every word that you guys post, believe me. I really enjoy this site; it has helped me (a newbie) on so many occasions and I've learned so many tips. I just want to expand my knowledge and become a stronger rider. If you need more info on my ride than just ask and I will help you help me. Thanks

Mavic makes super rims, but I would check out Bontrager Mustangs as well. They are very strong and can frequently be found at a discount. If you aren't using disc brakes, consider ceramic rims... they are a great upgrade for v-brake users.

I'm guessing these are the stock wheels that came on your mt. bike. Do you want to replace just the rims, or the entire wheelset? For the $$$, you may be better off buying an entire wheelset rather than replacing just the rims. You'll spend a lot more on parts & the labor will be a lot. You can get a closeout deal on a decent set of wheels for under $200.00 on closeout. It'll cost you $100 - $125 per wheel for a decent rim, new spokes, new nipples and labor.

Check around at some of the mail order companies. I've seen some XT hubs w/ Mavic rims for under $200.00 I'd suggest going ahead and buying disc ready hubs. You may not have discs right now, but you may want to get some in the future.

Check out www.pricepoint.com, there are a couple sets of wheels. There is a 2002 XT disc ready hub with Mavic 223 rims for $169.00. There is also a set of XT w/ 317 rims, but those are disc only! The Sun Ringle Disc Jockey wheelset is also a good deal for $189.

Good Luck
L8R

Good point, I am accustomed to making my friends build my wheels for me! :D

One word...Velocity! I've had my Velocity Aeros for the past two years with no damage. The front wheel has a Specialized Stout hub (rebuilt once), the rear has an XT hub. I work in a bike shop, and the mountain bikers swear by them. No, we don't sell them.

I've had some Velocity Aeroheads laced to some DT/Hugi hubs. Very nice wheelset, but somewhat $$$$. I think the rim alone cost me around $70/each. Then I had to buy new spokes/nipples. For that much, you can buy a ceramic coated Mavic rim which I think is superior in quality and lighter weight!

But that's just my opinion!

L8R

Ah, I loved my DT Hugis .. alas, they were incinerated in a bike shop fire. Stupid kid tossed a solvent soaked rag in the trash.

Mavic 517/ 519 they rock :D, get ceramics if you can afford it, they are like twice the price, but if you have good V's you'll love them.